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     ' The days are long and the years are short' best explains how, at the cusp of turning sixty-two, that I have a story to share, or at least a significant part of one. Two-thirds to be exact. My wish is that there will be a sequel. But for now, this is the story of who I am .     Who I am today reflects how I was raised and the opportunities that were provided me as well as to those of my parents. I am a reflection of them just as my children are of me and my husband. Who I am today reflects the experiences that I have borne and the people I have encountered. It is the result of turning " right " instead of going " left ". It's as simple as choosing to learn the game of tennis rather than sitting at the pool. And as hard as debating to play for fun rather than for the win. Who I am today is a result of saying " no " years before I said " yes ".     Who I am is the product of my parents before me. From my mother's machine-gu...

          To think that living until the age of 100 is no longer a fantastical goal is quite astonishing. And to think that I am closer to that once fantastical age than I am to that once whimsical age of twenty is equally astonishing if not a bit daunting. Given that refection, then hell yes I want to live to see 100.            But really, do I? What would that look like? What would I look like, and who would it benefit? As I sit in reflection, I vividly remember as a senior in college speculating what it would be like in the year 2000, the year of my 40th birthday. What will I have accomplished? Will I be married? With children? Will I be successful? What exactly did I envision myself doing? And more importantly, with whom will I be doing it with?            Back then, that twenty-year span, from my senior year to my 40th birthday seemed elusive, too distant to ruminate. In fact, so...